So now, not spring, is the best time to plant California native plants as well as trees and shrubs in general. California natives typically go dormant during our rainless summers. They wake up and start a growth spurt with the advent of rain. Native California plant societies hold their biggest sales in October.

Nonnative shrubs and trees also benefit from a fall planting because rain helps establish thriving root systems that will support lush top growth in spring.

Before setting plants in place, do a general fall cleanup:

-- Raking up garden debris is essential in preventing the spread of insects and diseases. In addition to physically carrying away the insect eggs with the gathered debris, depriving insects of winter habits helps to control them.

-- Fallen fruit and rotting vegetables also should be cleared away.

-- Pots should be stacked, and anything that could shelter overwintering snails should be put away. And, just in case this winter's rains are ferocious, add heavy rocks to stabilize the base of raised planting beds.

-- Direct rainwater from drain spouts away from the house's foundation, but avoid turning the planting area around trees and shrubs into a swamp.